Describe your dream bakery or coffeeshop?!
Describe your dream bakery or coffeeshop?
What would set it apart from the rest?
Answers:
* Really good coffee made by a top-notch Barista.
* Lots of comfy places to sit,
* Some interesting, different sweet things to eat instead of the run of the mill cookies and muffins that you can get everywhere else.
* A few non-coffee items for those that dont drink coffee. like good old-fashioned milkshakes with plenty of icecream.
* A fireplace with a fire thats lit during the colder months.
* A good selection of music, something upbeat but not too loud .
dream bakery would be a place where i could get a great cup of french coffee. there needs to be a place that serves coffees from around the world. and of course pastries from around teh world. there are french bakeries, mexican bakeries, german...etc. but how about all those delicacies in one place!! mmmmmm
affordable, down to earth, freindly, yet somewhat trendy.
the dream bakery and coffee shop would be down the right side of the building all sorts of baked items like breads,at the end coffee cakes etc center and donuts etc in the front all in an old fashioned case front of the building would have small tables with real comfortable seats and a long table just for coffee drinkers,down the left side and to the rear and up the center a bit so people can set there for coffee and donuts would be an old fashioned soda jerk counter with the grill out front with the people cooking right in front of u small breakfasts and lunch items the waitresses in old fashioned style uniforms with the little caps on it would feel so homey and wholesome (wood floors )that squeak omg i want to go there :)
The atmosphere is key. Use wood floors, and soft lighting. Don't use fluorescent lights because that kills the cozy mood. Lots of windows are nice too.
A dream coffee shop would offer coffee, tea, and other drinks. It would also offer bakery items and lots of small chocolate things. it would also offer lite portions of things. A lot of people are put off by the high fat coffee drinks. I don't even drink coffee.
An ideal bakery would have certain ethnic items, but maybe choose specialty ethinic items on weekends. Offer cakes, specialty cookies, and sugarless items.
Those are tough businesses. Very good luck to you. Just remember....atmostphere counts for a lot.
Specialty drinks... frequent drinker or eater cards... buy 10 muffins get one free or whatever.... have some lunch items such as light sandwhichs and chips or salads easy stuff to prepare...
Also have WiFi that would be sooo awesome...
outside eating and drinking area
quick service or even drive thru service for on the go....
deliver to local businesses that are close by to get ur name out
hope that helps
Re: the food and drinks?
Fair trade, organic, homemade, locally grown when possible.
A little sweet a little savory, something like cheese toasts, etc for a little break from the sugar.
Unique products and blends, creative recipes for goodies.
I personally go to coffee shops not for the COFFEE but the drinks that they can make easily but I don't have the equipment for. So lots of blended items and cappucinos, etc.
Re: the atmosphere...relatively quiet. Soft instrumental music, you can't really offend someone without lyrics. You can mix up the sound, have it so you can change the music (jam box, satellite radio, rather than piped in on one channel.) based on who is there. But do keep it quiet.
I would love to go into a coffee shop with squashy furniture like overstuffed couches and big big chairs meant for one but could fit two...and bookshelves with copies of books available on the HONOR system where people could donate or take what they want, or maybe just read while they are there. And get a few magazine and newspaper subscriptions...maybe leave a box for people to give you mags when they are done.
You might have some game pieces behind the counter where you lend them to customers...and have several tables with chessboards, backgammon, etc painted right on the surface.
Get a few internet jacks or a wifi connection so people could bring in their laptops.
It would be cool to have a corner of well maintained childrens items easy to clean big plastic toys etc, soft mats or rugs..and a staff person during the day who is helping mommies keep an eye on children playing there...so that mommies could come in for a little break or chit chat with other parents.
Other than that, keep your priorities straight.
FIRST Make regular improvements to the shop and keep it clean, set aside a nice profit margin.
THEN Take care of yourself as proprietor.
THEN Take as good care of your staff and be as reasonable and compassionate as you can. It isn't all about money. Be respectful, appreciative, and talk them up with the customers.
THEN with a healthy store, a healthy boss, and a healthy crew, you will ALL be able to take very good care of your customers.
This is actually the best way to put your customers first.
A large selection of tea and you could get loose tea in a pot. Fresh beautiful pastries with a large variety and comfy chairs. Beautiful view with outdoor seating. And non stuck-up baristas.
oh, and not to forget standards for your drinks like only 19-21 second pulled espresso shots, only so many pumps of flavoring... i like to know that my drink will taste the same everytime I come in.
I would like to see more places serve Aebleskiver. These are awesome. They are made to order, served with a hot fruit topping and powdered sugar
Go to this source page and scroll down about 1/2 of the page.
Over here, it is Bouchon Bakery, owned by Thomas Keller. They have great coffe, and a vast variety of freshly made upscale pastires. Not your typical donut shop pastries.
Hot naked chicks everywhere drinking tea and they all love me best
Large windows with a display, like a French Patisserie.
Instant smell of fresh coffee and pastry.
Cozy tables and chairs, circular.
Jazz music.
A little warmer than normal.
Large community newspaper and magazine area
Wifi access.
Friendly staff.